Is my science fair project OK?

What the check tells you

There are three answers, and none of them is “safe”: only a grown-up who can see the project can say that. Fine at most schools: nothing you picked breaks the rules we read. Ask your teacher first: some fairs need a form or a grown-up's OK before you start. Most fairs say no to this: every rule set we read says no, or needs a review board first, so the check shows you Peabody projects that test the same kind of thing without the risk. Your school's sheet wins.

The six questions, and the rules behind them

• Does your project need fire or heat? Every rule set we opened bans open flames, at home and at the fair. No candles, matches or lighters, and nothing that burns. Sources: UNM STEM-H Center, K–5 research project rules and forms (revised 11 Aug 2022); Washington County School District (Utah), district science fair rules (October 2011); Lowville elementary science fair rules.
• What liquids or powders does it use? Elementary rules allow safe household things such as baking soda and vinegar, and ban dangerous chemicals. One rule set limits a safe chemical to under a tablespoon on display. Sources: Washington County School District (Utah), district science fair rules (October 2011); Lowville elementary science fair rules.
• Does it use an animal, a pet or a bug? Living things stay home, and projects that test animals need forms and a teacher's review at every level up to the international fair. Sources: Lowville elementary science fair rules; UNM STEM-H Center, K–5 research project rules and forms (revised 11 Aug 2022); Society for Science, ISEF International Rules and Guidelines.
• Does it grow mould or germs? The K–5 rules we read say no microbe cultures at home. Older students do these only under a teacher, with forms. Sources: UNM STEM-H Center, K–5 research project rules and forms (revised 11 Aug 2022); Society for Science, ISEF International Rules and Guidelines.
• Does it test people? Taste tests, surveys, reaction times and memory tests all use people as the thing tested, and every rule set we read says those need review and consent before they start. Sources: UNM STEM-H Center, K–5 research project rules and forms (revised 11 Aug 2022); Society for Science, ISEF International Rules and Guidelines.
• Will it be filmed or put online? Peabody's own rule: keep faces and names off the internet; your board and your judge are your audience.

The slip for a grown-up

The slip prints your answers and today's date, with a line for a grown-up at home and one for your teacher to sign before any testing starts. Most fairs ask that the work is checked before you begin, not after. Your answers are not kept on this device or sent anywhere: print the slip before you leave the page.

Want a project that is already on the safe list? Pick my project chooses one of a hundred in four taps, and the rules in plain words has every shared rule with its source.